I agree. I have one and use it a fair amount, and also use it in place of a land line (why do I need both?). My main reason for wanting one is if my car ever breaks down, I can call for help and service. About 2 years ago, my car died on a main, busy road, and car after car passed and did not call for me. Finally, a very nice man pulled over and not only called various places for me, he ended up calling in a favor with a cop he knows to help lower the towing price (the companies were asking in the $130 range for less than a mile! It was also close to Christmas). He also tried jumping my car for me. But the point is, it took me about 30 minutes to get someone to pull over/call for help. I was cold, tired, and miserable. God forbid I really needed to get in touch w.someone ~ so in my opinion, even if it's a pay-as=you go phone, they can be helpful.